Helping you stay up to date and plan for your upcoming trip
Return of the Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad has reopened after being closed for 4 years. The Railroad closed in December 2018 for the construction of TRON Lightcycle/Run. Guests can once again take a relaxing and scenic 20 minute round trip tour on one of the 4 vintage steam trains. If you don’t want to do the round trip tour you can board or disembark at one of the 3 stations located on Main Street, U.S.A. near the entrance of the park, Frontierland station or the Fantasyland station.
Tip: This often over looked attraction can be a great way to get from one side of the park to the other, while giving your feet a break and enjoying the views.
Opening Date of TRON Lightcycle/Run Announced
TRON Lightcycle/Run, Walt Disney World's newest ride will open on April, 4th 2023. This new roller coaster will be located in the Tomorrowland section of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park. According to Disney, "TRON Lightcycle / Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world."
The roller coaster is based off the the Tron films. According to Disney this attraction will allow riders to “experience the energy, lights and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe.” Guests will climb aboard their very own Lightcycle (two wheeled ride vehicle that looks like a motorcycle) for a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid's most menacing Programs and reaching speeds of up to 59 miles per hour.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
EPCOT is running their annual International Festival of the Arts now until February 20th. This flavorful and creative festival takes place daily from 11am to park close in EPCOT. Explore 16 unique food stands featuring art-inspired cuisine.
The festival also features Artful Photo Ops that allow you to step into an artistic backdrop/ painting and strike a pose for a unique photo opportunity.
Some of the photo frames available are:
International Gateway: Luncheon of the Boating Party – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
The American Adventure: Washington Crossing the Delaware – Emanuel Leutze
Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
Between Italy Pavilion and Germany Pavilion: The Scream – Edvard Munch
Mexico Pavilion: An homage to Frida Kahlo
Bridge to World Showcase: Peter Pan Storybook
Italy Pavilion Courtyard: Birth of Venus – Sandro Botticelli
Bridge to World Showcase: Café Terrace at Night and Sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh
The festival also features:
Animation Academy- learn how to draw classic Disney characters from an animation artist. Shows begin each day at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM in America Gardens Theatre.
Kids Chalk Art as well as Chalk art galleries
Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural- Leave your creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.
Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
Merchandise and Artist Galleries
Visit Disney here to learn more about the festival.
Tip: The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts can make world showcase more busy in the evenings and on weekends so keep that in mind if you have an upcoming trip.
FREE Overnight Hotel Parking Has Returned to Walt Disney World
Complementary self- parking has returned to guests staying overnight at a Walt Disney World Hotel. In recent years Disney started to charge their guests hotel parking fees, which ranged from $15-$25 dollars per night depending on the hotel. According to Disney, "This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable – whether you’re road tripping across the country, renting a car or vacationing as a local Florida resident."